According to a variety of newspaper reports, Nick Faldo has said he wouldn't mind captaining the European Ryder Cup team again. 

In Nick's words, he "really enjoyed it" and thought he and the team "got on great."  He must not have watched the matches on his DVR afterwards because the Europeans looked frustrated, irritated and as disjointed as most of our recent American teams.  They just never pulled it together as they have over the last decade.

A number of players (Monty and Darren Clarke in particular) have said that would be a mistake.  Faldo captained a veteran team that pummeled by an American team full of rookies and youngsters.  In addition to that beating, Faldo himself was ripped apart by the British tabloids both during and after the Ryder Cup for the way he ran the team.

In my humble opinion, the European team needs a shakeup.  That's what the Americans got this year wi ... Read More »

When the LPGA announced this week that it will trim back on the number of events on its schedule, I'm sure there were more than a few peopel holding their breath regarding the Safeway Classic in Portland.  The tournament's sponsor, though, has made sure the popular event will stay in the area.

For now, the SemGroup Championship and the Ginn Tribute have been removed from the schedule.  Safeway, which also sponsored the Safeway International in Phoenix, has said it would focus solely on the Classic in Portland.  That may mean the end of the International.

Should anyone be surprised by the fact that cuts are being made?  The PGA and LPGA tours have two of the fullest schedules in sports, with events just about every weekend.  It's hard to find high dollar sponsors for these events when times are good, but much more difficult when times are tough.  I'd be schocked to not see MORE cuts.

Let's just hope the ... Read More »

The pitch is being made for golf to be included in the 2016 Olympic games.  This time, the idea is coming from the International Golf Federation during a meeting with the IOC.

Making the presentation were Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the IGF, and PGA TOUR executive Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee.

The best thing about the presentation, though, was the video portion that included clips from the world's top players expressing support for golf as an Olympic sport.  When the greatest players from all over the world want another venue in which to compete against each other, I say we give it to them.

Golf has not been included in the Summer Games since 1904, when the games were held in St. Louis, Missouri.  In those games, medals were awarded for both individual and team play.

Right now, the only 'patriotic' ... Read More »

 Chamber's Bay announced last week that Chamber's Bay had received another award. 

From a KemperSports press release...

KemperSports is pleased to announce that Chambers Bay, the nationally acclaimed links-style golf course in University Place, Wash., has been selected by the Society of American Travel Writers as a recipient of the 2008 Phoenix Award.

The Phoenix Award is given annually to individuals or organizations who are actively involved in conservation, preservation, beautification and anti-pollution campaigns which further the growth and appeal of North American travel destinations.

“Chambers Bay is truly honored to receive this award from the Society of American Travel Writers,” said Chambers Bay general manager, Matt Allen. “This is a true testament to the commitment we have made to the conservation and preservation of our natural landscape.” Read More »

Another local golf retailer has closed its doors in the Portland area.  Oregon Golf, with three locations throughout the Portland Metro area was forced to close up shop and go into bankruptcy.

It's hard to put a finger on just what went wrong for Oregon Golf.  They typically had a great selection of items, competitive prices and some of the best sales people in the business.  If I had to guess, I would say that the slumping economy combined with the introduction of larger, national golf chains helped bring down our local alternative.

Golf Galaxy rolled into Beaverton several years ago, but with just one store, folks were reluctant to drive out there from the East Side and Vancouver.  Golf Smith, with two convenient locations, was likely a big draw that pulled customers away, too.  Online ordering has also made it easier to buy golf equipment and shop for the best prices.

The closing of Oregon Golf is ... Read More »

Some people might think Ogio is beating a dead horse, but I don't think so.  The innovations they add each year to the golf bag are nothing short of amazing.  For 2009, they've done it again.

This time, the innovation comes in the form of a convertible carry strap. It makes the bag easy to carry on one shoulder or two.  Here's the full press release:

BLUFFDALE, Utah (October 8, 2008) - Read More »

Michelle Wie announced -- actually, I think it was her father who made the announcement -- that she would play in the upcoming LPGA Q School Qualifier.  If she fails to make it to the finals in Florida, she'll have another chance the following week.

The question here is, who cares?  How much longer do I have to keep reading about an under-achieving golfer who can't win against other women, but continues to play in men's events and miss the cut?  Can anyone argue that Michelle Wie is still relevant at all?  I say no.

Let's face it, Wie had a great run.  Winning the Public Links and being in contention before and just after turning professional was a great story.  But injury, a bad attitude and poor planning by her parents have turned her into a non-factor in women's golf.

What will it take to change my mind about the big-hitting Wie?  First, she needs to get through Q School and earn her card for the LPGA To ... Read More »

You have to give Tiger credit.  Even when he's still months away from swinging a golf club or competing in a tournament, he still manages to steal the show. 

With the golf world focused on the FedEx Cup (which Vijay Singh is quickly closing out) and the Ryder Cup, Woods has been in the spotlight over the past week. 

First, he sat down for an interview to promote his newest video game.  Did he have much to say?  Not really, plenty of yes and no questions and a little bit of humming.  Then, Tuesday, he announced through his website that he and his wife were expecting their second child.

Why bother bringing these two items to your attention.  It's just another example of the staying power Tiger has.  Analysts have been talking about life without Tiger for months now.  Even when other golfers are rising up and playing some great rounds, fans and the media are hooked on Tiger. 
Read More »

Following the weekend's LPGA Safeway Classic in Portland, reports have come out that the tour will require all players to learn English.  After two years on tour, those who fail to show a grasp of the language will have their memberships suspended.

According to the report, a written explanation of the policy has yet to be given to the players.

Unlike the PGA Tour, which typically sees only a handful of non-english speakers on a weekly basis, the LPGA's events feature a number of great foreign players (mainly from South Korea).  The numbers continue to grow, meaning more and more players are unable to communicate and relate to the tour's fan base.

Many people are calling the LPGA out on this new policy.  But, like many of the South Korean players, I agree with the tour and call it a good move.  If they want to draw more fans, they need to give them more than just the Gulbis', Pressel's and Creamer' ... Read More »

Over the years, Columbia Edgewater has seen its share of fantastic finishes at the LGPA Safeway Classic.  From Juli Inkster's win to qualify for the Hall of Fame, to Annika Sorenstam to Lorena Ochoa, the course has been a great venue for golf.  Sunday's finish held form.

With the tournament moving to Pumpkin Ridge next year, Columbia Edgewater got one more great tournament that ended with Kristie Kerr winning a three-woman playoff.  It was all made possible by a seven-under 65 on Sunday that allowed her to pick up the four strokes she needed to get back into contention.

After covering the event for years and even volunteering a couple of times, I know the work that goes into staging the tournament each and every year.  However, it's the club's members we should thank for giving us the opportunity to tromp all over their fairways and get an inside look at one of the area's best clubs.

Thanks to all the ladies who come out ... Read More »